Citation

Bohn F. Am. J. Sociol. 1925; 30(4): 385-407.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1925, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/213721

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Two pictures have been drawn of the Klan, one by its friends, another by its enemies. Both of these are much exaggerated. The time has come to describe the Klan from the point of view of history and sociology. The author describes the organization in Marion County, Ohio, as an example of its local character and activities, and tells of the original organization of the Klan. The peculiar character of the Klan makes necessary a knowledge of the Rev. William J. Simmons, the founder. His origin and biography are discussed and his position with regard to our racial and religious issues stated. A social interpretation of various religious movements results in the placing of the Klan movement in American social history as the most important epoch of our militant nationalism. The Klan is interpreted as a result of a very general state of mind, the deepest cause of which is the fact that the original American stock is disappearing from our North and West. The future composition of the population of the United States becomes more and more evident as the racial conflict takes on a superficial religious aspect. The hooded figures of the K.K.K. are an expression of pain, sorrow, and of solemn warning. Its methods arise from anger and fear, not from knowledge and forethought. The constructive evolution of our American nation will require a different leadership, based upon a more lofty sense of human values.